Cleaning the filter of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: when, how and what to wash

Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaners are indispensable cleaning aids, but their effectiveness depends on the condition of the filters. HEPA-Not only does the filter reduce suction power, it can cause the engine to overheat or cause sensors to fail. In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean the filters in Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame and Viomi models, so that the equipment lasts longer and the air in the house remains clean.

The manufacturer recommends that filters be cleaned after every 3-5 cleaning cycles, but in practice, the frequency depends on the intensity of use. For example, in homes with animals or allergies, filters become contaminated 2-3 times faster. We have collected proven cleaning methods, including mechanical washing, dry cleaning and disinfection, and we will tell you what errors lead to breakdowns.

Important: The instructions below are suitable for most Xiaomi models (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Dreame D9, Viomi V3), but check the user manual of your model before you start – some filters (for example, in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum X10+) have a unique design.

Types of filters in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners: what do you have?

Xiaomi devices use three main types of filters, each requiring a different cleaning approach:

  • πŸ”Ή HEPA-filter - traps fine dust (up to 0.3 microns), pollen and allergens, found in all models except budget (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential).
  • πŸ”Ή The main (sponge) filter is the pre-cleaning of air from large debris. HEPA-filter.
  • πŸ”Ή Cleaning filter – only in models with wet cleaning function (for example, Dreame) W10). Protects the pump from water intake.

How to determine which filter is installed in your vacuum cleaner? Look into the specifications or open the dust collector cover: HEPA-filter is usually white or gray with labeling HEPA, Black or dark gray, washing with water repellent coating.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and later uses a combined filter (HEPA + It can't be washed with water, just blown with air or brushed!

Model robot vacuum cleanerType of filterRecommended cleaning frequencyCan I wash?
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 LiteHEPA + spongyEvery 5 cleaningsSpongy - yes, HEPA - no
Dreame D9HEPA (Class H11)Every 3 cleaningsJust dry cleaning.
Viomi V3Washing + HEPAAfter every wet cleaningCleaner - yes, HEPA - no
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum X10+Combined (HEPA + coal)Every 7-10 cleaningsNo, just a purge.

When to Clean the Filter: 5 Signs

Many users clean filters on schedule, but it is much more effective to focus on the actual state of the art, and here are the key signals that the filter requires urgent maintenance:

  • πŸ”Š The vacuum cleaner became louder to work - a clogged filter creates an additional load on the engine.
  • πŸ’¨ The power of suction has decreased - garbage remains on the floor, and the vacuum cleaner "is barely pullingΒ».
  • 🚨 On the screen or in the Mi Home app appeared warning Clean the filter or Error 10 (filter error code).
  • 🀧 After cleaning, dust hovers in the air - the filter passes small particles.
  • πŸ’¦ In models with wet cleaning (Dreame) W10, Viomi S9) The water in the tank became cloudy - the washing filter does not cope.

⚠️ Warning: If you ignore these signs, the vacuum cleaner can automatically shut down due to overheating (especially for models with lithium-ion batteries), in the worst case, you will need to replace the engine, which will cost 60-80% of the cost of a new vacuum cleaner.

πŸ“Š How often do you clean your robot vacuum cleaner filter?
After every cleaning.
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when the vacuum cleaner starts to work poorly
I'm not cleaning at all.

Step-by-step instructions: how to clean HEPA-filter

HEPA-filters are the most capricious: they can not be washed with water (except specially labeled models), but you can clean clean clean clean clean cleanly in a dry way:

  1. Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and remove the vacuum collector, which is fixed with a latch or a release button in most models.
  2. Get it. HEPA-filter - it is usually located at the top of the dust collector under the cover. D9) filter is attached to the clamps - carefully compress them.
  3. Remove large debris from the filter surface with a soft brush (a tooth or makeup brush is fine), move from the center to the edges so that the fibers do not damage.
  4. For deep cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle at minimum power. Keep the nozzle at a distance of 2-3 cm from the filter so as not to draw it in.
  5. If the filter is heavily polluted, use a compressor (pressure not more than 2 bar).
  6. If you have severe contaminants (mold, sticky dirt), treat the filter with a dry antibacterial spray (such as LG Air Wash). Apply the product, let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then shake off the residue.

⚠️ Note: Never use it for cleaning. HEPA-If you filter water, soap or alcohol, it destroys microfibers and reduces filtration efficiency by up to 40%, and avoid hard brushes and metal objects, which break through the filter.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist for cleaning HEPA-filter

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Cleaning the sponge (main) filter: can I wash?

Sponge filters in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners (e.g., in Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite) can and should be washed, but with caution.

  1. Remove the sponge filter from the dust collector, which is usually located under the surface. HEPA-side-filter.
  2. Wash the filter under warm running water (temperature not higher than 40Β°C). Use a mild detergent (for example, for baby bottles) or baking soda (1 tsp. per 1 liter of water).
  3. To remove persistent contaminants, soak the filter in a solution of water and vinegar (proportion 3:1) for 15-20 minutes. Vinegar dissolves fat and kills bacteria.
  4. Rinse the filter carefully so that there is no detergent left, and residues of the chemicals can cause allergic reactions the next time you clean.
  5. Press the filter without twisting (to avoid straining the pores) and leave to dry for 24 hours in a well-ventilated place.Do not use a hair dryer or battery - high temperatures destroy the material.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: If a sponge filter is out of shape or crumbles, it's time to replace it. On average, it lasts 6-12 months with regular cleaning. Original Xiaomi parts can be found by the articles:

  • ZNMS15WM for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite
  • DR1906FL for Dreame D9
  • VIOMI-FL01 is for the Viomi V3.

What happens if you install a wet filter?
If you install an undried sponge filter, moisture will enter the vacuum cleaner engine, which can cause short circuits or corrosion of contacts. In models with wet cleaning function (for example, Dreame W10), this will also lead to an Error 12 error (closing the water sensor).

Features of cleaning the detergent filter in robots with wet cleaning

Cleaning filters are available in Xiaomi models with the function of floor washing: Dreame W10, Viomi S9, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P. Their task is to protect the pump from water and dirt. You need to clean this filter after each cleaning, otherwise it will be covered with mucus and plaque.

Cleaning instructions:

  1. Remove the water tank and get a cleaning filter (usually white or transparent).
  2. Wash the filter under cold water (hot deforms the plastic). Use a toothbrush to clean the cells.
  3. For disinfection, soak the filter in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide (1 tbsp. l. per 1 liter of water) for 10 minutes.
  4. Rinse and dry the filter vertically (so that the water drains down).

⚠️ Attention: In Dreame models W10 viomi V3 The washing filter has a one-way membrane (it only lets water in one direction) and when cleaning, don't rub it with hard objects or flip the filter over, it will break the tightness.

πŸ”§ Care advice: Check the condition of the sealing gums on the washing filter once a month. If they lose elasticity or crack, replace the filter - otherwise water will leak into the vacuum cleaner's body, leading to Error 5 (liquid leakage).

What can not clean the filters of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

Some "folk" cleaning methods can irrevocably damage the filters, and this is strictly forbidden:

  • 🚫 Washing machine or dishwasher – even in delicate mode, they will destroy the structure HEPA-filter.
  • 🚫 Boiling water - deforms plastic elements and adhesive layers in combined filters.
  • 🚫 Aggressive chemistry (bleach, acetone, gasoline) – corrodes materials and leaves toxic fumes.
  • 🚫 Dryer or microwave for drying – overdry the filter, making it fragile.
  • 🚫 Hard brushes and metal sponges – scratch the surface, reducing the efficiency of filtration.

πŸ’‘ Alternative methods: If the filter is heavily contaminated and cannot be washed, try an ultraviolet lamp for disinfection (keep 10-15 minutes at a distance of 20 cm) or a steam generator (the steam temperature is not higher than 60 cm).Β°C).

πŸ’‘

HEPA-The filters in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are not washed or boiled, but can only be blown, brushed or treated with dry antiseptics.

How to extend the life of filters: 7 practical tips

Compliance with simple rules will help save on replacing filters and avoid breakdowns of the vacuum cleaner:

  • πŸ“… Keep a cleaning schedule β€” use reminders in Mi Home or calendar. For example, in a house with a cat, clean the filter after each cleaning.
  • 🏠 Hand-clean large garbage β€” remove wires, toys and paper from the floor before you start the vacuum cleaner.
  • 🌑️ Keep the vacuum cleaner in a dry place – humidity above 60% promotes the reproduction of bacteria in the filters.
  • πŸ”„ Alternate cleaning modes β€” if the vacuum cleaner supports wet and dry cleaning, do not use them at the same time.
  • πŸ›’ Buy original filters – cheap analogues often have a low density, which causes dust to penetrate the engine.
  • 🧹 Clean the dust collector after each cleaning – the less dust gets to the filter, the longer it will last.
  • πŸ“± Watch for notifications in the app – Mi Home sends filter pollution alerts (e.g. Filter blockage).

πŸ’° Economic fact: Regular cleaning of filters prolongs the life of a vacuum cleaner by 30-50%. For example, replacing the engine in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum costs 8-12 thousand rubles, while a new set of filters costs 1-3 thousand rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about filter cleaning

Can I use a vacuum cleaner without a filter?
No, it's going to cause dust to enter the engine and premature wear. HEPA-Without it, the vacuum cleaner will spread fine dust back into the air, which is dangerous for allergic people.
How often should you change the filters in the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner?
The service life depends on the model: HEPA-filter: 6-12 months; Sponge filter: 3-6 months; Cleaning filter: 4-8 months; Replacement will have to be done more often in homes with animals or with daily cleaning.
What is the difference between the Dreame D9 and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite filter cleaning?
In Dreame D9 used HEPA-filter H11, The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite has a removable sponge filter that can be washed with water. D9 filter is mounted on the clamps, and in Mi Robot - on the thread.
Why did the filter cleaner work worse?
Probable reasons: the filter is not tightly installed - check the fixation; During cleaning, the membrane is damaged (in the detergent filters); Moisture got into the engine - let the vacuum cleaner dry for 24 hours; Other elements (turbine, ducts) are clogged.
Where to buy original filters for Xiaomi?
Official filters sold: In Xiaomi's branded store (mi.com); On AliExpress (look for sellers rated 98%+ In Xiaomi service centers; in large marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon) - check the filter article. HEPA-filter - from 800 to 1500 rubles.